Thursday, April 11, 2013

Chemo #3, Baby Update, and Lump Update

On Wednesday I finished Chemo #3! That marks my second-to-last AC chemo and my second-to-last chemo before breaking to have our baby girl.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us yesterday. I have nothing but good news to report from chemo #3. Praise God! My blood counts were all "low-normal" which is still well within the range to get chemo. The side effects from this round seem to be similar to the last one -- just some mild nausea/tummy issues here and there and lots of exhaustion. Just running a few errands is about all I can do without needing a rest/nap. But overall I'm truly blessed that I feel this good while on AC chemo. I credit good doctors, lots of Kangen water, and of course prayer. 

Here we are on the way to Chemo #3.
31.5 Weeks

Today I had my checkup with my OB-GYN. I'll get another growth ultrasound in ~2 weeks, but today she said my belly was measuring right on track and the baby's heartbeat was normal. Yay! I talked to her more about my delivery plan (not inducing unless medically necessary so that my chance of a c-section is lower). She also said I don't need to take a birthing class (because I really cannot stand the idea of being in a room full of happy, naive preggos). She said that I can just read a book or do an online class if I want to, but the nurses and midwives will coach me though the whole delivery no matter what prep I do. My OB seemed really happy and impressed about how "healthy" I looked despite having cancer and doing chemo which was sweet.

Also today I had my checkup with my surgical oncologist. She could not even feel my previously swollen axillary lymph node (I told her I can feel it if I really dig for it but it's rice-sized) and she could feel that my breast lump has decreased in size quite a bit. She even said "this is terrific!" Basically, it's really great news that the chemo is working so well thus far. Keep praying that it continues to work and there will be no evidence of cancer to be found by the time I have my surgery. No matter what happens I will be having surgery on parts or both of my breasts around late August or early September (depends on how fast I can can complete my next rounds of taxol chemo). More decisions to be made on that later.

12 comments:

  1. Glad it was good news all around. Still praying for you & the baby. XO

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  2. I'm happy to hear that you've had good news! Praying for you!

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  3. Praying for continued good news.

    and p.s. I didn't want to do classes because I didn't want to go alone since my husband was deployed. I figured that one way or another that baby was coming and they'd just have to help me figure it out. They did and he came, and I'm quite sure classes wouldn't have mattered much. You've got this!

    ~Anita
    @ http://losingaustin.blogspot.com

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  4. Praise God! This all just warms my heart and I'm so glad to hear it! Childbirth classes really are not necessary. We did one, and while it helped cover all of the unknowns, it definitely wasn't necessary. I'm sure you have plenty of friends who will be able to share about childbirth!

    T

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  5. Glad to hear things are going well so far! I dont blame you on the classes, I kind of feel like they are not that helpful. The only helpful thing is to tour the hospital but if you know where youre going, then youre good to go :)

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  6. Praying for you all the way over in Cookeville, TN :) Used to stop in to your other blog and then found your new one. Forget those classes...you can do without!

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  7. Such good news! It is so good to hear that the baby belly is right on track and the chemo is working well! Praying for your continue healing, health, and an easy delivery that will let you get back on your feet fast and finish your treatments:)

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  8. Just checking in on your blog. Great news to read! I also did not take birthing classes for the same reason and because I was on bed rest. Sending lots of positive vibes and healing thoughts.
    - Lainey

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  9. You look AMAZING! So glad everything is going well. You are in my daily prayers!!!

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  10. I did a blog post on you today! hope you don't mind! I think you are amazing and look GREAT!!! I'm sending your Fighting Fancy bag out today! xoxo, heather http://fightingfancy.com/2013/04/19/day-19-meet-kristen/

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  11. I found you through Heather's blog. I was diagnosed when I was 28. My heart goes out to you as a fellow young patient! You look & sound amazing as you fight this. Your lil girl has no idea yet just how lucky she is to have such a strong momma!

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  12. Just what I needed, thanks a lot….

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